Abstract
Although protein intakes in the United States are widely regarded as adequate, attention
has been given to potential inadequacy of recommendations or patterns of intake in
older adults. The objectives of this research were to update and expand estimates
of protein intake and adequacy in older US adults, with additional focus on contributions
of animal source protein. Data were obtained from 1,768 adults aged 51 years and older
in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, the Food and Nutrient
Database for Dietary Studies, and US Department of Agriculture Standard Reference
datasets. Estimates of inadequate intakes ranged from <1% to 5% of men aged 51 to
70 years to 9% to 24% of women aged ≥71 years, depending on whether adjusted or actual
body weights were used to calculate grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
Mean usual protein intakes were 94±22 g/day and 56±13 g/day in those same groups,
with 15.3%±2.3% and 15.4%±2.4% of energy from protein. Animal sources provided >60%
of protein intake, on average. In regression models with energy intake, age, sex,
ethnicity, and education as covariables, percent protein from animal sources predicted
protein intake and odds of meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowances (P<0.001). Consumption of total and animal-source protein was skewed to the evening
meal. Findings highlight the influence of body weight choice (actual vs adjusted)
on estimates of protein inadequacy, and suggest the need for careful consideration
of protein source in adults at risk for inadequacy. Research is needed to establish
optimal protein intakes, sources, and patterns.
Keywords
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Biography
L. A. Berner is a professor, Food Science and Nutrition Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.
Biography
J. Doi is an associate professor, Statistics Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.
Biography
G. Becker is a graduate student, Department of Statistics, University of California, Davis, CA.
Biography
M. Wise is a statistical associate, Educational Testing Service, Monterey, CA.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 13, 2013
Accepted:
January 10,
2013
Available online 13 March 2013Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT This work was funded by the California State University Agricultural Research Initiative; the Beef Checkoff, through the National Cattlemen's Beef Association; and the Dairy Council of California.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
